Textile article treating apparatus



Sept. 19, 1944. C, F MEYER 2,358,344

TEXTILE ARTICLE TREATING APPARATUS Y Filed Jan. 30, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 19, 1944. n c. F. MEYER 2,358,344

l l TEXTILE ARTICLE-TREATING APPARATUS e sneek-sheet 2 Filed Jan. 30. 1941 INVENToR z Christian/Elyer,

l sept. 19, 1944. F. MEYER 2,358,344

TEXTILE ARTICLE TREATING APPARATUS Filed Jan. so, 1941 s sheets-sheet s Fia-5- INVENTOR: Civrv'sm Ele er,

sept. 19,- 1944.

C. F. MEYER TEXTILE ARTICLE TREATING A{PPMRATUS Filed Jan.' so. 191 8 sheets-sheet 5 me Y. www@ N @01K E O W ,l A

Sept. 19, 1944. c. F. MEYER TEXTILE -ARTICLE -TREAHNG APPARATUS,v

Filed Jan. 50, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 FJ. |3- 7.

` INVENTOR: Chrsan E Meyer, BY I W ATTORN Sept. 19, 1944. .i c. F. MEYER 358,344

TEXTILE ARTICLE TRATING APPARATUS l INVENTOR C'hrsi an Mayer,

Sept 19, 1944` C. e. MEYER 2,358,344-

I VTEXTILE ARTICLE TREATING AP'ARATUs Filed Jan. so, 1941 8 sheets-sheet CA EWI/5% ATTORN Patentes sept. i9, 1944 TEXTILE ARTICLE TREATING APPARATUS Christian F. Meyer, Wyomlssing, Pa., assigner to l Textile Machine Works, Wyomissng, Pa., a Y corporation of'Pennsylvania Application January 30, 1941, Serial No. 376,662

22 Claims. (Cl. 68-6) My invention relates to means for processing textile fabrics composed of synthetic linear condensation polyamide yarns or other yarns whose reactions 'to processing treatments 'are similar to those of polyamide yarns, and more particularly to means for permanently fixing the yarn formation of such textile fabrics prior to subjecting them to any other processing treatment.

In treating textile articles composed of polyamide yarns it has been found that when the samesteps are followed as are employed in treating silk articles, certain operations such as hot scouring, dyeing and rinsing, produce wrinkles and other irregularities inthe fabric and in the loop formation thereof which are difdcult to remove by subsequent treating operations.

It has been proposed, in accordance with U. S. Patent No. 2,157,119 to J. B. Miles, Jr., dated May 9, 1939, to overcome the aforesaid difiiculties by subjecting polyamide yarn fabrics to a setting treatment, prior to the scouring, dyeing' and other-treatments to which the fabrics are subsequently subjected. However, no satisfactory equipment has heretofore been provided for such purpose.

It is an object of my invention to provide novel means for permanently fixing the yarn formation of polyamide yarn articles.

It is another object of my invention to provide novel means for effecting processing treatments such as disclosed by the aforesaid patent.

It 'is a further object of my invention to provide novel means for permanently fixing the yarn formation of textile fabrics composed of polyamide yarns or other yarns having like reactions t0 processing treatments, prior to subjecting such fabrics to any other processing treatment.

Another object is to provide novel means which may be utilized in connection with the manu facture of stockings made entirely or p artially of polyamide yarns, for effecting fixation or setting of the shape of the loops and the shape of the stocking-prior to subjecting the article to certain standard manufacturing steps.

Another object is to provide a chamber b means of which an article may be subjected or exposed to a. processing mediumunder condi- Iii) heating chamber; automatic means for opening andr closing the door of the heating chamber; automatic ymeans for locking and unlocking the door of the treating chamber; automatic means for turning on and off the heating medium; a timer, the starting of which is controlled by the pressure in the treating chamber; automatic means for limiting the time of treatment; and means controlled by the pressure in the treating chamber 'for controlling the automatic operation of the door locking and unlocking means.

With these and other objects in view, which will appear vas the description proceeds, my invention resides in the knovel elements, features of construction and arrangement of parts in cooperative relationship as hereinafter more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a nylon preboarding apparatus within my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevation taken from the left of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional detail view substantially on the line -tof Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is 'a sectional plan view substantially on 'the line 5 -5 of Fig. 1; l

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation substantially on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2; f I

Fig. 'T is a cross-section substantially on' the line 1-1 of Fig. 1, `looking in the direction of the arrows; y

Fig. 8 is a sectional detail view substantially on the line 8--8 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

tions of heat and moisture not reached in subsequent processing Stena-whereby' articles composed entirely or'partiallyof polyamide yarns may have their yarn set.

Among other objects of the invention are to provide textile treating apparatus having in combination one or more novel devices such as a arrangement permanently Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits for the motive fluid used in operating the appa- 'ratus shown in Figs. 1' through 8; and

Fig. 10 is a diagram of the electrical circuits used to operate certain of the valves shown in Fig. 9. v y

The invention is shown in the accompanying drawings as applied to an illustrative embodiment of the invention in the form of an apparatus "for heat treating articles in a live steam- Said apparatus is expected to find atmosphere. large use for pre-boarding nylon hosiery, but is not limited to such use. As is well known, silk hosiery is stretched over thin boards or forms while wet and heated While on saidforms t0 give them the desired finish and nat form preparatory to packing. In the-case of nylon hosiery,

'it has been found necessary to heat the articles on the forms prior to the dyeing and boarding operations to a temperature higher than that ordinarily used with silk hose, in order to permanently set the yarn formation of nylon' stockings in the proper shape. As saturated steam is the heating medium recommended for the preboarding step, apparatus according to my invention is well adapted to this purpose, although this use is merely illustrative. y

An apparatus in accordance with my invention comprises a chamber having a motor operated door and a motor operated'lock for said door. Preferably, but not necessarily the motor or motors for the door and for the lock are operated by pressure fluid, which may be compressed air, and said fluid is preferably, but not necessarily, controlled by velectrically operated valves. In order to economize time and space, it is preferred that said door be of the hingeless type and the locking means therefor arranged to act on at least two opposite sides of the door.

Referring to the drawings more in detail, a treating chamber I2, shown in Figs.V l to 7 inclusive, is provided with a pair of track members and a cross member 6 secured thereto, the track members 5 providing means on which a truck or other carrier device (not shown), for the heretofore mentioned stocking forms, may be moved into the chamber to the extent controlled by the cross or stop member 6. Said chamber also has a substantially rectangular door I4 (Fig. 3) at one end, without hinges and arranged to slide up and down in channels I5 (Fig. 5) yin guidemembers I6 on opposite sides of the door. Motion of door I4 is produced by two vertical reciprocating piston-type double acting motor cylinders I 8, one on each side of the door. The piston rod of each cylinder I8 is extended upward in form of a rack I9 having teeth 20 (Fig. 8) on the edge toward the door I4. Racks IS are spaced from the vertical edges of the door as shown in Figs. 4 and 8, to provide space for a pair of gears 2| and 22 between each rack I9 and the door I4, gears 2| and 22 being mounted to rotate in boxes 23 which are fixed to the upper ends of guides I6 and which serve also to support the outer edges of 'racks I9. As plainly shown in Figs. 3 and 8, the vertical edges of door I4 are provided with rack teeth 24 which mesh with the teeth of gears 22, while gears 22 mesh with gears 2| and they., in turn, mesh with rackteethv 20. It follows that the door I4 has the same motion as andl goes up and down at the same times as the racks I9. The cylinders I8, therefore are .placed near the floor level and, in order to open the door, motive fluid is introduced into the lower ends of the cylinders I8 beneath the pistons, the upper ends of cylinders I8, at the same time exhausting the motive fluid previously introduced into the upper ends of the cylinders. In order to close door I4,- when so desired, motive fluid is introduced into the upper ends of cylinders I8 above the pistons as the lower endsexhaust the motive fluid therefrom.

As best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 6, to ensure that racks I9 shall remain in exact synchronism and to maintain the vertical edges of door I4 exactly parallel to the guides I6 to prevent jamming of the door in the guides, the gears 22 are simultaneously operated by a horizontal shaft 29 connected at each of its ends by bevel gearing 36 to gudgeons 3L journalled in boxes 23 on which gears 22 are mounted. As is clear from the drawings, shaft 29 is mounted to the rear of door I4, but gudgeons V3| project forward to the front of the door andhave squared ends 32 whereby a crank may be applied to a gudgeon to move the door by hand when desired.

The processing medium used in chamber I2 is preferably live steam so that the door stmoture must be designed to contain pressure within chamber I2. For this purpose, the open end of the chamber I2 is provided with a recess 25 which extends entirely around the doorway or opening and has seated therein a packing 26 which projects from the vertical end face of the chamber and is adapted to make a steam tight joint with the smooth inner face of the door'I4 when the door is forced against the packing. 'I'he outer face of door I4 has insulation 28 thereon but the insulation extends short of the edges of the door on its vertical edges so that space is provided therealong for means to press the door against said packing. As above mentioned, the door shown is of the hingeless type. This is partly for the reason that I have found it to be diflicult to obtain a uniform pressure on al1 sides between the door and the chamber or packing when the door is of the hinged type. Further, I have found that the non-swinging type of door requires less floor space and can be opened and closed more quickly.

In order to apply pressure to the door to close it tight against internal pressure, I have provided two locking mechanisms, one for each vertical edge of door I4. Said mechanisms each comprises a clamp or locking lever 34 of shallow U-form in plan as shown in Fig. 5 and forked in elevation as shown in Fig. 3. rEach locking lever 34 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 35 carried by one of the members I6 and arranged so that its inner end. can bear against the front face of door I4 near one of its vertical edges and about midway thereof. Springs 4I mounted between each locking lever and its associated member I6, tend to bias the lever from locking engagement with the door I4. 'I'he outer end of each locking lever 34 is eng'ageable with one end of a rod 36 mounted to slide in a guide block 31 fixed ,to the side of the chamber I2. At its other end each rod 36 is pivotally connected to a link 38 which is pivotally connected in turn to a bell-lever 39, best shown in Fig. 1, which is pivoted at 4I) to the side of the chamber I2 so as to swing in a vertical plane. The arm of each bell-lever 39 which connects with a. link 38 is substantially horizontal as shown in Fig. 1 when the locking levers 34 are pressed against the face of door I4 to seal the open end of the chamber I2; the rod 36, link 38 and arms of levers 39 forming at this time toggles acting to apply 4great pressure on the door in proportion to the force actuating levers 39. A stop pin 42 is set on each side of chamber I2 in position to stop a lever 39 from overtraveling the position of substantially greatest pressure on door I4. 'I'he other arms 44 of bell-levers 39 are connected by a cross-bar or equalizing lever 43 which extends horizontally beneath chamber I2 and connects the depending arms 44 as best shown in Fig. 7. The ends of lever 43 are pivoted to lever arms 44 and, at its center, lever 43 is pivotally connected to the piston rod 45 of a double acting motor cylinder 46 which is arranged horizontally beneath chamber I,2 with the axis of the cylinder parallel to that of the chamber. the rear or right hand end of cylinder 46 as viewed in Fig. 1, piston rod 45 is forced forward toward the door thereby forcing the locking when motive fluid is admitted into levers 34 against the frontface of the door by the above described mechanism to seal the open end of the chamber I2. When motive fluid is admitted to thefront en of cylinder 46, the end nearer the door, the le ers 34 are thrown to the yunlocking position b" he action of springs 4I;

as the arms 44 are drawn away from the door I4 and the other arms `of levers 39 are thereby drawn from the horizontal position shown vin Fig. 1. v

Steam for heating chamber I2 isv introduced under pressure through pipe 41 which is shown in Figs. 1 and 9 as having a hand operated cutoi! valve 48 therein as well as a motor operated inlet valve 49. Pipe 41 enters chamber I2 at al point 5I somewhat above the bottom of the chamber so as to direct the steam against a baille.

.pipe 1. Likewise, the condensate from the chamber I2 is passed to drain pipe II through intermediate connections comprising outlet pipe 52, water trap IIJ and the pipe --1. Valves 49 and 54 are operated in one direction -by springs, one of which is shown at 55 in Fig. l, and in the other direction by diaphragms contained in casings 56, motive fluid being introduced on top of the dia.- phragm in each case to operate the valve in said other direction. However, the arrangement is different in the two cases; in the case of the inlet valve 43, the spring 55 holds the valve normally closedA and the pressure of the motive fluid on the diaphragm must overcome the action of the spring in order to open the valve; whereas in the case of exhaust 54, the spring holds the valve normally open and the pressure of the motive fluid on the diaphragm must overcome the action of the spring in order to close the valve. In this way, there is a minimum chance of accidents occurring through the admitting of steam into chamber I2 unintentionally, or of -retaining steam pressure in chamber I2 longer thandnandnormally closed electro-magnetic or Asolenoid operatedvalves located in a control box 58, Figs.v 1 and 2. The valves of group E are -vall biased byrv i springs or gravity to the closed position and are opened only when current flows in their solenoid windings, and'they are arranged `at three diierent levels'. The valves at'zeach level are connected two on each side ofy a centralvertical extension 62 of air pipe 59,. f

Shown at the'top level (Fig. 9) are two air inlet valves 63 and 64 andtwo air outlet valves 465 Valves'63, 64, 65 and 66 are allr set in y and 6,6. a horizontal cross-pipe 61, which connects to pipe 62 so as to run' in both directions therefrom and the outer ends of which are connected to exhaust pipes 69. Intermediate valves63 and 65 on one side of central pipe 62. a pipe leads off from pipe 61 to the casing 56 of the valve 49 for admitting steam to chamber I2. Intermediate valves 64 and 66 `on the other side of pipe 62,

a pipe 1I leads off from pipe 61 to the' diaphragm casing 56 of valvel 54. Theoperating coils of valves 63 and 64 are connected to be energized tended. As appears in Fig.- 9, the steam supply line or pipe 41 may contain a pressure regulator or reducing valve` 51 in case the pressure of the boiler for supplying steam to line 41 is greater than that for which chamber I2 is designed, and may also contain a lter 8 and a pressure gauge to indicate the pressure of the steam passing tion to a supply of compressed air which serves as motive fluid. Pipe 59 is shown as containing a hand cut-oi valve 60 and a reducing valve or pressure regulator 6I, a pressure gauge 33 to indicate the pressure ofthe air as controlled hy pressure regulator 6I and oiler I3 for lubricat- Y ing the solenoid operated valves hereinafter described. K

For controlling the now of motive fluid to said at the saine time, so that valves 63 and 64 will open atthe same time, valves 65 and 66, however, then remaining closed. Motive fluid in the form of pressure air will therefore enter pipes 10 and 1Isimultaneously to alter the position of valves 49 and 54 as previously set by their springs 55,

pressure in pipes 10 and 1I opening vvalve 49 and closing valve 54 so that, the `door I4 being closed and locked, steam pressure from steam pipe 41 will build up in chamber I2 andV will remain in operation as long as desired. When valves v63 and 64 are allowed to close, valves l65 and 66 may be opened to exhaust the airypressure from diaphragm casings 56, whereupon springsA 55, will reverse the positions of valves 49 and 54 to cuty off chamber I2 from the steam supply and to open chamber I2 to the exhaust. In the pipe 62, between the valves of the top and second level,.is a

valve 68 for regulating the pressure of the air exerted against the diaphragms of valves 49 and 54, the air pressure being indicated by a gauge 21, also in the line 62.'

The four electro-magnetic valves on the second level in group E control the ow of motive fluid to and from the two ends of motor cylindersy I8 and are set in a `cross-pipe 12, valves 13 and 14 which lie next the pipe 62 on opposite sides thereof serving to admitmotive fluidv to the lower and upper ends respectively of the cylinders I8V and valves 15 and 16, which lie next to exhaust pipes 6.9, serving to discharge motive fluid from the lower and upper ends of cylinders I8. For

' conducting-motive l'luid to and from the lower ends of said cylinders, pipe`11 opens olf of crosspipe 12 between valves 13 and 15 and is branched at the end nearer cylinders I8 so as to connect with both cylinders. Y

is branched at the end nearer the rcyliird as to connect with the upper end of botl'ifsaidp valves 13 and 16 simultaneously and theA valve 14 and 15 simultaneously, so that 'the motive "fini" on the one side of the pistons in the cylinders ma exhaust at the 'same time the motive fluid enters i diaphragm casings ,6'6"Van'd' to said icylinders l and 46, I have provided, as best.shown,diagimrl-l matically in Fig. 9, agroup E of twelve similar Similarly, a pipe 18 opens off of cross-pipe 12 between valves 14 and 1B'a`nd, est.;

on the other sides of the pistons. When valves 13 kand 18 have been opened by current flowing in their actuating coils, motive fluid flows from pipe 82 through pipe V12, valve 13 and pipe 11 into the lower ends'of the cylinders |8 and the motive fluid exhausts from the upper ends of the cylinders through pipe 18, valve 18 and left hand exhaust pipe 69, so that the pistons rise and open door I4. When valves 13 and 18 have been permitted to close by cutting H the current in their circuits and valves 14 and 15 have been opened by current owing in their actuating coils, the reverse flow' of motive fluid occurs and the pistons fall and close the door.

At the lowest level of group E are four lelectromagnetic valves 19, 80, 8| and 82 which control the flow of motive fluid to and from theends of cylinder 48. Valves 19, 80, 8| and 82 are set in a cross-pipe 83 which runs from central pipe 62 both ways to exhaust pipes 69. Valves 19 and 80 lie next thev central vertical pipe 62 on opposite sides thereof and valves 8| and 82 lie next the pipes 69, valve 8| lying on the same side ofthe pipe 82 as valve 19. Between valves 19- and 8|, a pipe 84 leads off of pipe 83 to conduct motive fluid to and from one end of cylinder 46. Between valves 80 and 82, a pipe 85 leads oil. of pipe 83 to conduct motive'fluid to and from the other end of cylinder 46. Since motive fluid must exhaust from one side of the piston in cylinder 48 at the same time that it is admitted at the other side of the piston, valves 19 and 82 are opened and closed simultaneously and valves 80 and 8| are opened and closed simultaneously. When current is supplied to the operating coils of valves 19 and 82, these valves are opened against their biasing springs and motive fluid ows into cylinder 46 through pipe 84 and out of pipe 85 to move the piston in cylinder 46'in the direction to bring toggle link 38 in line 'with the pivot 40 and to lock door I4. When current is supplied to the operating coils of valves 80 and 8| 'to open them against their biasing springs, motive fluid flows into cylinder 46 through pipe 85 and out through pipe 84 to move the piston in cylinder 48 in the direction to throw link 38 out of line with pivot 40 and to unlock door I4.

Electrical interlocks In order to assure the desired sequence of operations and thereby prevent accidents, I have provided safety means in the form of interlockfs between the door operating means and the lock operating means, between the lock operating means and the diaphragm operated steam inlet valve and between the internal pressure in chamber I2 and the lock operating means. The interlocking arrangements shown are of electrical character, but I do not limit myself to this.

The interlock between the doorr operating means and lock operating means comprises an angle 86 fixed to a side of one of racks I9 in such position that when door I4 is fully closed asA shown in Fig. 3, angle 86 contacts a member 88:'shown in the form of a roller pivotally mountedl at the end of a lever 89 engaged with a spindie 90 so as to turn the spindle. Spindle 90 operates a switch 9| in the circuits of the coils for opening valves 19, 80, 8| and 82 controlling the motor cylinder 46 which operates the locking means. Roller member 88, lever 89 and switch spindle 90 are so arranged that when the door I4 is not fully closed, a spring keeps the spindle 90 in position to ensure that the circuits for operatingvalves 19, 80, 8| and 82 remain open and the valves themselves therefore remain closed. When, however, angie 88 holds roller 88 as far down as possible, the switch in box 9| will permit the circuits of valves 19, 90, 3| and 82 to passy current whenever closed and otherwise permitted by the other means herein disclosed for controlling the various circuits.

' As best shown in Fig. l, the interlock between I the lock operating means and the valve 49 for controlling the admission of steam to chamber I2 comprises a lug 92 on the side of lever 39 through which extends a link 93 which is pivotally connected at one end to a lever 94 which has driving engagement at'the end opposite link 93 with a spindle -95 which extends into a switch 98 controlling the circuits forl operating the valves 83 and 85 which control the opening and closing of valve 49 in the line for supplying steam to chamber I2. Link 93 has a collar 98 xed thereonA anda compression spring 99 is carr' d on the link and pressed at its two ends against lug 92 and collar 99. Consequently, unless the lever 39 is in the position shown in Fig. 1 in which the locking means for door I4 is in fully locked position, lug 92 presses link 93 through spring 99 so as to keep the switch in box 98 open. Valves 63 and 65 are thereby prevented from opening until the lever 39 in the locking means is in the fully locked position and the same is true also of valve 49, so that live steam cannot be admitted to chamber I2 unless the door I4 is fully closed and locked.

Similarly, it is necessary to prevent the door I4 from being unlocked unless the steam pressure in the cham-ber has been lowered to substantially atmospheric pressure. For this purpose an interlock is provided comprising a pressure operated switch |00 which is placed in the circuit for operating valves 13 and 16 controlling the unlocking actionn of the motor cylinder 46. Said pressure operated switch connects by means of pipe I0| with the interior of chamber I2. Switch |00, which is provided with a piston or diaphragm, `is arranged to maintain the circuits of valves and 8| open so that the door |4 cannot beunlocked after a steam exhaust valve 54 has opened untilthe steam pressure in chamber I2 has dropped practically to zero.

Electrical circuits The arrangement herein disclosed includes means whereby it isnecessary only for the attendant to push a button in order, when the door is open, to close the door I4l to lock it, to close the exhaust and to turn on the steam. After the steam pressure has been on for a period determined by a timing means, the reverse process is initiated by said timing means and thereupon carried out automatically. 'Ihe circuits for controlling said valves 83 through 68, 13 through 16, and 19 through 82, respectively, are shown diagrammatically inFig. 10. In Fig. 10, the conducting elements which appear in the diagram are shown in black, and structural elements are shown only in outline. In Fig. l0, the solenoid windings of valves 83 through- 68, 13 through 18, and 19 through 82, respectively, are shown diagrammatically and are given reference characters consisting of the reference character of the corresponding valve with the suix w. Thus, the reference character for the winding for valve 63 is 63w and that vfor the winding of valve 82 is 82w. Along one side of the diagram of Fig. l0 extends a supply circuit |02 between the opposing sides of which a difference of potential is maintained. vThe two sides of circuit |02 are,

connected to buses |03 and |04, respectively, through disconnect switch |05. A cycle of operations ot chamber A|2 is started by the operator by closing a circuit, which is effected by pushing with circuits in which they are employed, but' they include, in addition to certain circuit connections and. the parts previously mentioned, a master switch of the electro-magnetic type, two switches |24 and |25 of electro-magnetic type eachhaving four nxed and four movable contact points, a switch 9| operated by the door, a switch 96 operated by the locking means, an indicating lamp |28, a timing motor M, a pressure operated two-point mercury switch |30 in the circuit of said timing motor and a pressure operated four-point mercury switch in the circuits of the electrically operated valves 10 through 82 controlling the locking and unlocking operations.

The circuit in which button |06 is Lincluded starts at point |01 on bus |03 and runs through lead |08 to a solenoid winding |09 of a multiple contact solenoid switch to lead 2, through lead ||2 to plate ||3 in connection board F, from connection board F through lead ||4 to said button |06 and from button |06 through lead ||5 to plate 6 of 'board F, and from plate ||6 through lead. I |1 to a point ||0 on bus |04. Upon the closing of said circuit through button |06,

winding |09 being energized, a movable contact ||9 in switch is swung over from a position in which it is in engagement with contact |20, to a position shown in Fig. in which it is in engagement with a contact |2|. At the same time that contacts ||9 and |2| are brought into coni 'ductive engagement, contacts |22 and |23 in between contacts |22 and |23 and by swinging contact ||9 to the left out of engagement with contact |2| and into current carrying engagement with contact |20. As the' operator can only close switch |06 and as the opening of switch |06 has no eiect on themaster switch the arrangement prevents the operator from shortening the operating cycle when it has once started by inadvertently pushing the button.l

The first operation initiated when the switchv has been actuated by closing the button circuit is the closing of the door |4. At this time, switches |24 and |25 are -both in their unexcited condition in which their lower movable contacts a and b rest by gravity against their lower fixed contacts c and d, :butupon a current carrying engagement being established between contacts I |9 and |2|, a circuit is established running from point |32 on bus |03throughlead |33 and operating coil |34 to lead |35, through lead |35 to contact |2| and contact I9, and from contact ||9 through leads |36 and |31 to bus |04 ata point |38. 4-The coil |34 being thus energized, its left upper movable contacts e and right upper movable contact ,f are drawn up against their upper fixed contacts g and h, respectively, and a circuit for operating valves 14` and 15 to open them and to close door |4 is thereby established as follows:

from point |39 on bus |03- through lead |4| to plate |42 on board G, from plate |42 through lead |43 and point |44, from point |44 in both directions along lead |45 to and through coils 14w and 15w to lead |46, along lead |46 in opposite directions to point |41,' along lead |48 to plate |49 on board G, from plate |49 along lead |5| to and through lead |52 to movable contact f in switch |24, from movable contact f to xed contact h, from contact h to lead |53 to point |54, from point |54 along lead |55 to point |56 on lbus' |04.

In order to assist the operator in keeping track of whether the automatic switches |24 and |25 are operating correctly, the pilot lamp |28 is arranged so as to light as soon as switch |24 has been raised to its upper position by the energization of its coil |34. The circuit for this purpose begins at point |'|6 on bus |03 and extends through lead 262 to bar 263 in board F, from bar 263 through lead 264 to lamp |28,`from lamp |26 through lead 265 to bar V266 on board F, from bar. 266 through lead 261 to point 268, from point 268 along lead |5| to point 269 on lead |52. The coil |34 of switch |24 having been energized by the completion of its circuit by the movable contact I9 of switch in engaging contact |2| and the movable contacts of switch |24 therefore being in their upper positions, thecircuit of lamp |28 then is extended from lead |52 to movable contact f of switch |24, from contact f to upper fixed contact h of switch |24, from said contact h to lead |53 and point |54 thereon, and from point |54 through lead |55 to bus |04 at point |56. The lighting of lamp |28 therefore indicates correct operation of switches and |24. As explained more fully hereinbelow, the operation of switch |25 provides a second circuit for lighting lamp |28, so that it does not go out at the time switch |24 loses its holding current in coil |34.

Valves 14 and 15 now bein-g open, motive fluid iiows. into the upper ends of cylinders I8 to close door |4 and the next operation performed is to lock the door. This is performed automatically as follows: when the door is fully closed, angle.86

throws switch 9| into the up position as shown in Fig. 10 in order to establish a circuit from point |39 on bus `lua through lead m, plate |42-and lead |43 to point |51, from point |51 along lead |58 in opposite directions to and through coils 19w and 82u), from coils 19w and 62w along lead |59 in opposite directions to point |6|, from point |6| along lead |62 to plate |63 in board G, from plate |63 through lead |64 to branch point |65, from point |65 through lead |66 to left upper movable contact e in switch |24, from contact e to fixed contact g, from contact g through lead |61 to plate |68 in board F, from plate |68 through lead |69 to contact |1| of switch 9| to and through -connector bar |12 of the switch to contact |13; fromcontact |13 tolead |14, from lead |14 to and through leads |15 and |16 to lead ||5 and thence through plate ||6 and lead ||1 to point ||0 on bus |04.

Coils 19w and 82w having been thus energized,

valves 19 and 92 are opened as shown in Fig. 10 and motive fluid is caused to ilow in cylinder 48 so as to lock the door 4. The locking means having operated, switch 96 is thereby thrown over into the position shown in Fig. 10 and the switch |25 is thereupon operated as a preliminary to the performance of the next step in the automatic cycle, namely that of supplying heat to chamber |2. Said switch |25 includes a solenoid coil 11 and, upon movement of switch 96 into the position shown in Fig. 10, a circuit is established through coil |11 as follows: from bus |03 through lead |18 through coil |11 and thence through lead |19 to plate |8| on board F, from plate 8| to lead |82 to upper right hand contact |83 of switch 96, through movable connecting bar |84 to fixed contact |85, from contact |85 to lead |86, through lead |86 to point |81 on lead |16 and thence through lead ||5, plate ||6 and lead ||1 to bus |04. Coil |11 having been energized, the upper movable contacts e and f of switch |25 are drawn up against its upper fixed contacts g andh and the circuits for operating the steam valves are then established as follows: from point |39 on bus |03 through lead |4|., plate |42 and lead |43 to branch point |88, from point |88 in opposite directions along lead |89 to and through coils 63w and 84w and along lead`|9| in opposite directions to point |92, from point |92 to lead |93, from lead |93 to plate |94, from plate |94 through lead |95 to movable contact f of switch |25 and therethrough to fixed Contact h, from contact h into lead |35 and therethrough to contact 9 and thence to bus |04 by a route previously traced. Coils 63u) and 64w having been energized valves 63 and 64 are opened to permit motive uid to open the steam inlet valve 49 and close steam outlet valve 54 so that steam pressure can build up in chamber |2.

When coil |11 has been energized and the movable contacts of switch |25 have therefore been raised to the position shown in Fig. l0, a parallel circuit is thereby provided for current through lamp |28 as follows: from point ||8 on bus |03 through lamp |28,` to point rMillas previously traced, from point 269 at the junction of leads |5| and |52 to the right along the lead |52 to movable contact e of switch 25, from Contact e to upper fixed contact g of switch |25,.from said contact g to the left along lead |53 to point |54 and from point |54 through lead |55 to bus 04 at point |56. Therefore, the continued burning of lamp |28 after the time that the timing means M has operated to 'break the circuit through thecoil |34 of switch |24 is an indication that the switch |25 is operating properly.

Steam pressure in chamber |2 having reached a certain point, mercury switch |30 is thrown into the position shown in Fig. 10 and thereupon a circuit is closed through the timing motor M as follows: from point |01 on bus |03 through lead |08 to branch point |96, from point |96 through lead |91 to and through motor M to lead |98, through lead |98 to plate |99 of board F and thence through switch |30 to lead 20|, through lead 20| to plate 202 to lead 203, through lead 203 to contact |22 and thence to contact |23, and from contact |23 through lead |31 to bus |04 at point |38.

At the same time that mercury switch |30 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 10, the fourcontact of two-circuit mercury switch |00 is turned by means (not shown) operated by thev steam pressure to the position shown in Fig. 10. Thereby the mercury closes the gap across the left hand pair of contacts in switch |00 and a holding circuit is established whereby coils 19w and 82w of the valves 19 and 82 are maintained. in energized condition and the locking means maintained under positive pressure of the operating fluid to prevent any accidental unlocking of the door. This condition is maintained until the pressure in chamber I2 has gone down to a point at which it is safe to unlock the door, preierably approximately atmospheric pressure. The said safety holding circuit runs as follows: from point |39 on bus |03, along lead |4| to plate |42 of board G, from plate |42 along lead |43 to point |51, from point |51 along lead |58 and through coils 19w and 82w to lead |59 and point |6|, from point |6| along lead |62 to plate |83, from plate |63 along lead |84 to point |65, from point |65 along lead |60 to plate |10 of board F, from plate |10 along lead |50 to switch |00 and thence through lead 223 and point 224, and from point 224 through lead ||5, plate ||6 and lead ||1 to bus |04.

'I'he timing motor M having been energized it continues to run for a predetermined length of time, after which motor M throws contact ||9 to the left into current carrying engagement with contact |20 and breaks the current carrying en'- gagement between contacts I9 and |2| and between contacts |22 and |23. Timing motor M therefore remains inoperative for the rest of the cycle because its circuit is broken between contacts |22 and |23.

The cycle of operations thereupon proceeds automatically as follows: The contact ||9 having moved to the left from the position shown in Fig. 10, the circuits through coils 63w and 54w are broken at the point between contacts I9 and |2| and valves 63 and 64 therefore close. Steam inlet valve 49 is thereby permitted to close and steam outlet valve 54 to open as soon as the motive fluid is permitted to discharge from above the operating diaphragms fin chambers 58 vof valves 49 and 54. Also the holding circuit through coil |34 of switch |24 is broken at contact |2| and the lower movable contacts a and b of switch |24 thereupon drop down on ilxed contacts c and d respectively, while the upper movable contacts e and f of switch |24 lose current carrying engagement with fixed contacts g and h respectively.

At the time that swinging contact ||9 engages t contact |20 circuits are thereupon established for closing the steam inlet valve 49 and opening the steam outlet valve 54, as follows: from bus |03 at point |39 through lead. |4|, plate |42 lead |43 to point |88 and lead |89 as traced heretofore, from lead |99 through coils 65w and 66w to lead 204, along lead 204 in opposite directions to point 205, from point 205 along lead 208 to plate 201 of board G, from plate 201 through lead 208 to point 209, from point 209 along lead 2|| to contact |20 and thence through contact ||9 and leads |36 and |31 to bus |04 at point |38. Coils 6510 and 66w having thereby been energized,` valves 65 and 66 are opened to permit the motive fluid, which had operated valves 49 and 54, to escape and valve 49 is therefore closed by its spring at the same time that valve 64 is opened by its spring. Further, the movable contacts of switch |24 having dropped from the position shown in Fig. 10, the circuit for opening valves 19 and 82 is broken at contacts g and e of switch |24 so that valves 19 and 82 may close as soon as the pressure in chamber |2 has dropped to such a point that the holding circuit through the right hand contacts of switch is broken due to the switch reversing its inclination. As

valves19 and 82 direct the motive 1uidinto cyl-1 Steam inlet valve 49 having been closed and.

steam outlet valve 54 having been opened, the steam pressure in chamber I2 begins to fall and, when it has fallen a predetermined amount, preferably substantially to atmospheric pressure, thev mercury switch |00 assumes the inclination opposite to that shown in Fig. 10, so that circuits previously traced for holding the lock in locking position are broken at switch |00 and circuits for opening valves 80 and 8| to`unlock door I4 are established as follows: from point- |39 on bus |03 to and through lead I4I to point- |51 on lead |58 as previously traced, along lead |58 in opposite directions from point |51 to and through coils 80w and 8|w to lead 2|2, along lead 2|2 in opposite directions toward point 2I3, from 2I3 through lead 2|4 to plate 2|5 of board G, from plate 2I5 through lead`2|6 `to point 2|1, from a point 2I1 through lead 2I8 to xedcontact c of switch |24, from contact c to contact a of switch |24 and thence through lead 2|9 to plate 22| of board F, from plate 22| of board F through lead 222 to the right pair of contacts -in mercury switch |00 and through them and the mercury to lead 223, along lead 22,3 1to point 224, and from point\ 224 along a. course previously traced through lead II5, plate ||6 and lead II1 to bus |04.

Operation of unlocking piston 46 moves switch 96 to the left from the position shown in Fig. 10, thereby breaking, at switch 96 the circuit through operating coil |11 of switch |25 and permitting the movable contacts a and b of switch to drop down and make contact with the lower fixed contacts c and d of this switch while movable contacts e and f of switch |25 break contact with their opposed upper fixed contacts g and h. Contact having been broken at points e and g -of switch |25, the circuit through coils 14w and 15w is broken and the valves 14 and 15 therefore close so that the pistons in cylinders I8 may be moved to open the door I4 as soon ask valves 13 and 1B are opened. Circuits for opening valves 13 and 16 are vthen established as follows: from point |39 on bus |03 through lead I4I, plate |42 and lead |43 to point |44,I from point |44 along lead |45 to and through coils 13w and 16w to lead 245 and along it to point 246, from point 246 along lead 241 to'plate 248 of board G, from plate 248 along lead 249 to contact a in switch |25, from contact a to contact c in switch |25,

from switch |25 along lead 25| to contact d of switch |24, from thence to contact b oi switch v|24 and thence through lead 252 to point 253 and thence through lead |55 previously traced to bus |04 at point' |56. 4

The door I4 having opened, the switch 9| is permitted to move from the position shown in Fig. l0 to one in which a lower connecting bar 2 54will rest on contacts 255 and 256. Circuits will thereupon be established thereby as follows: from point |39 on bus |03 through lead |4I, plate |42 of board G andlead |43 to point |51. From point |51 in both directions along lead |58 to and of board F, from plate 258 along lead 259 to said contact 256, from contactl 256 through connecting bar 254 to contact 255, from contact 255 along lead 260 to point 26|, and from point 26| along a course previously traced through lead 222 the 'right pair of contacts of mercury switch |00 to lead 223, point 224, lead I|5, plate |I6 and lead |I1 to bus |04. The coils 80w and 8Iw being thus energized by a holding circuit, the valves 80 and 8| are held open and the motive iluid is supplied to cylinder 46 in such a direction as to hold the locking means positively in the off posif tion until the operator initiates another cycle by pushing button |06.

Operation After the operator places the articles to be treated within the chamber |2 and presses the starting switch |06, the following cycle of operations is performed: The circuit is closed to the master switch I I I, whereupon the solenoid switch |24 is energized thereby, closing the circuit to the solenoid-operated air valves 14 and 1 5, which valves are accordingly opened, and opening the circuit tothe solenoideoperated air valves 13 and 16, which valves are accordingly closed, the valve 14 supplying air to the top of the door cylinders I8 to close the door I4, and the valve 15 functioning to exhaust the air from the bottoms of the cylinders I8. Upon energizing the switch |24 levers 39 and associated parts to operate the lock levers 34 so as to seal the open end of the chamber I2. .Y

The latter part of the movement of levers 39 to lock the chamber I2 'operates-the switch 96, closing the circuit to and energizing the sole- 'noid switch |25 which in turn closes the circuit to and energizes the solenoid operated air valves 63 and 64, the valve 64 closing the steam exhaust valve 54, and the valve 63 opening the steam inlet valve 49, whereupon steam is admitted into the chamber4 I2. As the steam enters the chamber I2, the air in the chamber is exhausted through valves' 81 which communicate with the interior of the chamber by means of pipes 91.

When the steam pressure within'the chamber I2 reaches a, predetermined value, the switch |30 is operated to close the circuit to the timing through coils w and 8|w to lead 2|2, along lead y 2|2 in both directions to point 2I3, from point f 2 I3 along a course previously traced through lead 2U, plate 2|5 of board cfV and lead 21s to point device M, which timing device operates to control the length of, time that the articles are ex posed to the action ofthe processing treatment. At the same time that the switch |30 is operated, the Vswitch |00 is operated by the steam pressure in the chamber I2 and functions to keep the solenoids of the valves 19 and 82 energized, this action keeping the valves '19 and 82 open and the levers 34 in clamping engagement with the door I4. A thermometer |26 and gauge |21 communicating with the interior of the chamber |2 .are provided to indicate the temperature and the pressure of the steam within the chamber duringl the processing cycle. A 'pressure relief valve |29 is also provided to prevent the steam pressure in the 'chamber from becoming excessive.

After the steamv pressure has been maintained at a' predetermined value within the chamber |2 for the required length of time, as determined by the timing mechanism M, the switch is automatically operated to open the circuit, whereupon the solenoid of switch |24 is deenergize'd and the circuit through switch |25 to the valves 14 and 15 is consequently broken, thereby causing these valves to close and opening the circuitto the pilot light |28. Simultaneously with the operation of switch to open the one circuit and thereby deenergize the switch |24, the switch also functions to close a second circuit and energize and open valves 65 and 66 to exhaust the air from the diaphragm casings i of valves 49 and 54 thereby closing the steam inlet valve 49 and opening the exhaust valve 54, whereupon the vsteam is exhausted from the chamber I2. As the steam pressure in the cham- .ber' is reduced to substantially atmospheric pressure, the switch |00 is rotated to close the circuit across the right hand contacts, Fig. 10, which action breaks the circuit to denergize and 'close the valves 19 and 82 and to energize and open valves 80 and 8|; the valve 80 thereupon permitting air pressure to be applied to the left end of cylinder 4B, and the valve 8| exhausting the air from the right side of the cylinder 46, thereby operating the cylinder 46 and lever 39 to release the levers 34 for clamping engagement with the door I4.

Operation of the lever 39 to release the locking levers J4 also operates switch 84 to open the circuit and deenergize the solenoid of switch |25, opens the circuit to the valves 14 and 'l5 and thereby closes these valves, and also closes the circuit from the switch |25 through switch |24 to open the valves 13 and 16; the valve 18 opening the exhaust line to the tops of cylinders I8, and the valve 'i3 opening'the air line to the bottoms of the cylinders to open the door |4. As the door I4 opens, the switch 9| automatically operates to close the circuit to the valves 80 and 8| thereby keeping these valves open, to thereby prevent operation of the cylinder- 46 while the door i4 is open. Likewise, the circuit to the valve 13 remains closed so as to hold the door in raised position, and the circuit to valves 65 and 66 also remains 'closed to hold the steam inlet valve- 49 closed and the exhaust valve 54 open and thereby prevent steam from being accidentally admitted to the chamber I2 while the door |4 thereof is open. At this stage, the processing having been completed, the operator removes the treated articles from the chamber.

After reloading the chamber with another set. the operator again operates the starting switch i whereupon the apparatus operates to repeat the processing cycle above set forth.

Although this device has been found partic- "ularly effective in so far yas polyamide articles are concerned, nevertheless, it is to be understood that beneficial results may also be obtained by using this apparatus in connection with the treating of articles composed of other yarns, such for instance as of silk, whose properties are dissimilar to those of polyamide yarns.

Although various terms, such as pressure air, pressure fluid, motive fluid, compressed air etc., have been used herein when referring to the medium employed in the door operating and door locking motors, it is to be understood these terms are used to designate any medium which when utilized as herein set forth will function to effect the results explained. Similarly, although pres- 16 actas sure heating medium, duid heating medium, heating medium, heating means, processing medium, steam etc., have been used to designate the medium supplied to the article treating chamber for processing the articles therein, it is to be understood that whichever term is used, it is to be construed in its broadest sense.

Of course, the improvements specifically shown and described by which I obtain the above results, can be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the invention herein disclosed and hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, an operator controlled member, means thrown into operation automatically upon operation of said member for closing said door, means acting automatically after the closing of said door for supplying a pressure heating medium to the interior of said chamber, means acting automatically for limiting the time of action of said heating medium, automatic power means for opening said door; and means arranged to act only after the pressure of the heating medium has dropped to a predetermined point to supply power to said door` opening means.

2. In a textile treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, means for supplying a textile treating heating medium under pressure to said chamber at times when said door is closed, a fluid operated power means for opening and ciosing said door, and means controlling the operating fluid for said power means including a normally open electric circuit, an operator controlled element adapted to close said circuit and a pressure operated switch for preventing opening of said door.unless the pressure in the chamber is below a predetermined point.

3. In a. textile article treating chamber apparatus, in combination, a chamber having a door, fluid operated power means for opening and closing said door, fluid operated power means for locking and unlocking said door, means for supplying a textile treating heating medium under pressure to said chamber, and means for controlling the fluid for both said fluid operated power means including electro-magnetically operated valves whose operating coils are included in circuits controlled in turn by a circuit having an operator controlled circuit closing element therein normally biased to the open position and a pressure operated switch for preventing opening` of said door unless the pressure in the chamber is below a predetermined point.

4. In textile article treating apparatus in combiuation, a chamber having a door, a control member the position of which may be altered at will by an operator whenever said member is in an initial or neutral position, means thrown into action by placing said control member in a given position for closing the door of said chamber and for supplying heat to the chamber, means operating when said member is in said neutral position to turn off the heat to said chamber, and means preventing the operator from turning off the heat to the chamber for a definite period after it has been turned on. p

5. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, means for automatically closing and locking said door, means for automatically turning steam into said chamber, means for automatically turning o said steam and reducing the pressure thereof in said chamber, and automatic .means to unlock actas Vsaid door but only after'the steam pressure has i dropped to a certain point.

.6. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, achamber having a door, means for admitting a heating medium to and exhausting it from said chamber, means to automatically close and lock the door, meansfor automatically unlocking and opening said door, and pressure responsive means for preventing the unlocking action of said last means unless the Pressure in' said chamber is below a certain point.

'1. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, a double acting iluid operated motor for closing and opening said door, a lock on said door, a double acting fluid operated motor for operating said lock, valves arranged to control the flow of operating fluids to said motors, electrical means including operating circuits for opening said valves, and a pressure operated switch in the circuit controlling said locking motor for preventing it from opening the lock unless the pressure in said chamber is below a predetermined point.

8. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having -a door, means for locking and unlocking said door, means for turning pressure heating medium into said chamber and for turning it oil therefrom, means for preventing the action of said means for turning on said heating medium unless the door is locked, and means for preventing the-unlocking of said door unless the pressure in the chamber is below a given point.

9. In an apparatus for carrying out a cycle of operations initiated at the will of an operator, the combination of an operator controlled switch normally biased open, an electro-magnetic master switch having a plurality of lcontacts therein adapted to be thrown into either of two groupings, a coil in said master switch in circuit with said iirst switch whereby the coil is energized upon the closing of said first switch to throw said contacts into one grouping, circuit and switch means and mechanical means controlled thereby adapted when said contacts are in said one grouping to perform several mechanical operations one after the other in a given sequence, and automatic means adapted to throw said contacts into another grouping after said sequence of operations has been performed, said circuit, switch and mechanical means adapted when said contacts are in said other grouping to return the opera-ted parts to their original positions by operations occurring in reverse sequence from said first operations.

10. In an apparatus for carrying out a cycle of operations initiated at the will of an operator, the combination as set forth in claim 9 and in which the means adapted to throw the contacts into another grouping is also adapted to produce a predetermined time interval between certain of the mechanical operations carried out ,byV the apparatus.

11.- In an apparatus for carrying outa cycle lof -operations initiated at the will of an operator,

the combination as set forth in claim 9 and in which the apparatus includes a chamber and means for turning steam into saidch-amber while it is closed,land in which the means adapted to throw .the contacts into another grouping is also adapted to produce a predetermined time interval between. turning the steam into the chamber and regrouping the contacts but beginning only after-steam pressure in the chamber has reached a given pressure. y v

12. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having 4a door, an operator controlled member, means thrown into operation automatically upon operation of said member for closing said door, means acting automatically after the closing ofthe door` for. locking the door, meansv acting automatically after the locking of said door for supplying a heating medium'under pressure to the interior of said chamber, means acting automatically for limiting the time of action of said heating medium, automatic means for unlocking s aid door arranged to act only after the pressure in the chamber has dropped to a predetermined point, and automatic means for opening said door after it has been unlocked. l

13. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, and

jmeans for locking and unlocking said door cornprising circuits including a mercury switch having two pair 'of contacts, and means whereby pressure in said chamber throws said mercury switch into position such that said locking and unlocking means is held positively in the locking position and whereby a subsequent lack of pressure in said chamber throws said mercury switch into position such that said locking and unlockingmeansis held positively in the unlocking position.

14. In a textile article treating apparatus, the combination as set forth in claim 13 and in which the locking and unlocking means includes a switch additional to the mercury switch and having an actuating coil deenergized when said mercury switch is in the position assumed by it when there is no pressure in the chamber and having contacts whereby a circuit is closed when the switch coil is deenergized for holding the locking and unlocking means positively in unlocking position.

15.r In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having Aa door, means for opening and closing said door, means for turning pressure heating medium into said chamber and for turning it off therefrom, means for preventing the -action of said means for turning on said heating medium unless the door is closed, and means for preventing the opening of said door unless the pressure in the chamber is below a given point.

16. In` a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber, means for opening and closing said chamber, means for turning pressure heating medium into said chamber and for turning it oil therefrom, means for preventing the action of said means for turning on said heating medium unless the chamber is closed, and means` for preventing the opening of said chamber unless tions permitting said second mentioned motor means to move said locking means into release position, and a pressure controlled switch in said circuits and arranged to prevent said second including electrical mentioned motor means from initiating a re-V leasing movement of said locking means unless the pressure in said chamber is below a certain point.

18. In a textile treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having an opening for loading and a closure therefor, power means arranged to close said closure, to lock said closure, to turn a pressure medium into said chamber, to turn oil.' said medium from said chamber and to unlock and open said closure, electrical control circuits for said power means, means for controlling said circuits arranged to time the period said medium is turned into said chamber, said circuits including a switch held in a certain position so long as the pressure in said chamber is above a given point and acting when open to prevent said power means from unlocking said closure.

19. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having an opening and a closure therefor, and means for. locking and unlocking said closure comprising circuits including va switch having two active positions, and f means whereby pressure in said chamber throws said switch into one of said active positions in which said locking and unlocking means is held positively in the locking position and whereby a subsequent lack of pressure in said chamber throws said switch into the other of said active positions in which saidlocking and unlocking means is held positively in the unlockingrposition.

20. In a textile article treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having an opening and a closure therefor, a control member the posi-'- tion of which may be altered at will by an operator whenever said member is in an initial or neutral position, means thrown into action by placing said control mem-ber in a given position position to turn oil.' the heat to said chamber,

means preventing the operator from turning o!! a closure therefor, an operator controlled memfor closing said closure and for supplying a pressure heating medium to the chamber, means operating when said member is in said neutral ber, means thrown into operation automatically upon operation of said member for closing said closure, means acting automatically after' the closing of the closure for locking the closure, means acting automatically after the locking of said closure for supplying a heating medium under pressure to the interior of said chamber, means acting automatically for limiting the time of action of said heating medium and adapted to prevent the operator from curtailing the time oi' a given run of the heating medium when once begun, automatic means for unlocking said closure arranged to act only after the pressure in the chamber has dropped to a predetermined point, and automatic means for opening said closure after it has been unlocked.

22. In a pressure treating apparatus in combination, a chamber having a door, pdwer means for locking and unlocking said door, means for turning pressure heating medium into said chamber and for turning it off therefrom, means for preventing the action of said means for turning on said heating medium unless the door is locked, and means for preventing the supply of power-to said locking and unlocking means for unlocking said'door unless the pressure in the chamber is below a given point.

CHRISTIAN F. MEYER 

